Police say a 15-year-old Paterson boy and two friends brutally beat a bus driver who demanded they stop smoking.

According to authorities, the three teens attacked the 60-year-old driver Thursday after he pulled over and refused to proceed until the cigarettes were put out. The driver suffered a severe eye injury in the attack, police say.

The teens allegedly took off down Route 19 after the attack. Police spotted them and then discovered the bus. They were turned over to their parents after questioning.

The 15-year-old, who police believe was the ring leader of the attack, has been charged with aggravated assault. Other charges could follow.

The bus driver has since been released from the hospital.